What Is NAD Supplement and How Does It Work?

Are you noticing your physical or mental abilities fade away with age? NAD is a supplement that may help boost a special coenzyme in your body that aids in improving metabolism and cellular energy production.

If you want to make sure your body has what it needs to help you battle age-related decline, stick around as we dive deep into the important question: What is NAD supplement, and how does it work?

What Is NAD?

Every single cell in your body needs energy to do its job, like building things or cleaning up waste. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a crucial coenzyme fueling the whole operation. It exists in two forms: NAD+ and NADH, short for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide + hydrogen.

NAD+ is the helper that grabs onto energy released from food and carries it, becoming NADH in the process. NADH then takes the energy to another part of the cell, where the energy is used to power different metabolic activities. After it drops off the energy, NADH becomes NAD+ again, ready to pick up more energy.

Role of NAD in Energy Production (ATP)

NAD’s crucial role in electron transfer fuels energy production via processes like glycolysis (when enzymes break down sugar) and the electron transport chain. This fundamental function suggests its potential impact on energy-related issues like chronic fatigue syndrome and the overall health of the immune system.

Importance of DNA Repair and Cellular Health

NAD+ promotes DNA repair and cellular health by acting as a key component for enzymes like PARPs and sirtuins. These enzymes are vital for maintaining genome integrity and regulating stress response and metabolic health, potentially reducing the effects of oxidative stress.

What Is NAD Supplement?

NAD supplements are designed to boost the level of NAD+ in the body. These supplements don’t contain any NAD, but exist in the form of precursors like nicotinamide riboside (NR) and niacin or nicotinic acid (vitamin B3) that the body can convert into NAD.

What Is NAD Supplement Good For?

Here’s what this fascinating molecule is all about and what it might do for you.

Anti-Aging

NAD supports healthy aging by boosting cellular energy, DNA repair, and mitochondrial function, fighting age-related decline in cellular activity. It also helps combat oxidative stress, crucial for maintaining cellular health.

Boosting Cellular Energy

Through accepting and donating electrons, NAD plays an essential role in energy transfer during various oxidation-reduction reactions (or when electrons are transferred). Some examples are glycolysis and the electron transport chain, which help the body make more ATP.

Cognitive Benefits

Clinical trials show that NAD therapy lessened cognitive impairment and neuroinflammation (issues seen in aging and relevant to Parkinson’s disease), potentially linked to reduced brain blood flow [1].

Metabolism and Weight Management

NAD may aid in weight loss by boosting adiponectin, a hormone that regulates metabolism, the use of glucose, and fatty acid oxidation, potentially improving insulin sensitivity [2].

DNA Repair and Anti-Inflammatory Effects

According to a 2020 study, NAD acts as an underlying surface where the enzymes PARP1 and SIRT1 can live and grow. Such enzymes are directly involved in DNA repair and regulating the integrity of the genomic landscape [3].

What’s more, a 2018 study suggests that NAD+ is also vital to muscle development and recovery as you grow older [4].

Is NAD Supplement Safe?

NAD supplements are getting a lot of attention for their potential anti-aging and energy-boosting effects, but the big question on everyone’s mind is: Are they safe? Let’s unpack the science and get to the bottom of it.

Who Should Avoid NAD Supplements?

Those with liver or kidney issues, as well as pregnant or breastfeeding moms, should avoid NAD supplements due to metabolism concerns and a lack of research.

NAD Supplement Dosage

Perhaps you’re wondering, “How much NAD+ should I take?” Various human studies have shown that taking nicotinamide riboside supplements in dosages of 1,000 – 2,000 mg per day is not likely to cause harmful side effects [5].

How To Take NAD Supplements

What is NAD supplement’s ideal dosage? They can be taken at any time, with or without food, though early in the day may be helpful if you’re hoping for an energy boost. For optimal results, pair NAD supplementation with a healthy diet and a suitable exercise program like VShred.

NAD vs. Other Anti-Aging Supplements

Are you curious to know, “What supplements should I take to slow down aging?”

Besides NAD, another anti-aging supplement that is currently classified as an investigational drug is nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), which is also derived from vitamin B3. Yet, what’s better: NMN or NAD? Well, the research about this topic is still ongoing.

In addition, resveratrol (from grapes and red wine) and collagen (found in bone broth and other food sources) are also being explored as anti-aging remedies, yet both require further research.

Colostrum, which comes from the breast milk of cows, also helps battle aging, yet it focuses more on keeping the skin youthful.

Expert Insights

What is NAD supplement’s reputation in the eyes of experts? In a 2021 study, researchers determined that a change in the NAD levels in the body can lead to a malfunctioning of the biological system and result in neurodegenerative disorders, aging, and DNA damage [6].

The researchers also concluded that the therapeutic use of NAD+ precursors is useful for boosting NAD levels to limit aging and neurodegenerative processes [6].

FAQs on NAD Supplements

Do NAD supplements work? Here are some popular questions on the subject.

What Is NAD Supplement Used For?

Research has shown that NAD supplements can be used to improve cognitive function and boost energy levels in older adults [1]. Moreover, NAD+ precursors might also play a role in improving heart health and blood pressure [7].

Are There Any Dangers of Taking NAD Supplements?

In dosages of 1,000 – 2,000 mg, NAD is considered generally safe when taken by most healthy adults. Some minor side effects, like headaches, dizziness, and nervousness, have been reported in some users.

Is NAD the Same as Vitamin B3?

No. NAD is considered the bioactive form of vitamin B3 because this nutrient is converted to NAD.

Who Should Not Use NAD?

NAD supplements aren’t recommended for folks with liver or kidney issues or pregnant and breastfeeding ladies.

Conclusion

Do NAD supplements really work? NAD has been found in studies to boost many of your cellular processes that decline with age. Derived from vitamin B3, it’s also relatively safe to take and easily tolerable for most people. But, consult a healthcare provider before adding it to your routine.

So, what is the best NAD supplement? The two main contenders are NMN and NR, both showing promise in boosting NAD+. Beyond this, consider the brand’s reputation (whether it does third-party testing), the dosage, and your budget.